The Philidor Defence

Black has a solid and interesting position after the main line 4.Nf3 and must be willing to accept a quick queen trade after 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8 which is not to everyone’s taste.

After 3..e5

Let us see a recent example of the endgame.

Vera Siguenas-Almeida Quintana

Philidor Endgame 6.Bg5 Be6

53rd Capablanca Mem Open rd6

The Philidor Endgame arises after a quick queen trade and Black loses castling rights after 5..Kxd8(Diagram)

After 5..Kxd8

After 83.Rb4(Diagram)

Black is active but is down a pawn. White has two connected queenside passers in this sharp position. Maybe the self-propelled b,c pawns will do fine without their king.

What do you recommend for Black?

After 83.Rxb4